Gawain and the Green Knight

A Medieval New Year's Legend

by Doug Balliett 

Performed by Karim Sulayman, Elisse Albian, Jesse Blumberg, Taylor Ward, Jonathan Woody, Elisa Sutherland, Raha Mirzadegan, members of ACRONYM, Ruckus, Theotokos, Makaris, and more

Gawain and the Green Knight: a Christmas story, a horror story, a romance, a paean to nature. All set at King Arthur’s court which huddles in its luxury on the borders of unforgiving wilderness and forces unknown. Gawain has agreed to have his head chopped off in a year’s time. But why? And can he live up to his promise, or his legendary perfection?

In its 6th consecutive performance, ring in the New Year with this bizarre medieval Christmas tale, filled with music, story, and song. Performed at the Camelot-esque performance space at St. Mary’s Church on the lower east side, the audience is immersed in King Arthur’s court, including music for the choral sing-alongs. Tenor Karim Sulayman takes the title role of Gawain, while other major roles are taken by New York luminaries Jonathan Woody, Jesse Blumberg, Taylor Ward, and more. Members of highly acclaimed ensembles ACRONYM, Ruckus, and AMOC come together to create a groovy continuo sound.

Tickets are pay-what-you-like. Doors open at 7:30, concert begins at 8. Running time is app. 2 hours plus a 20 minute intermission.